Ships are very much like women. Always referred to as “she”, some ships are ultra-glamorous, while others are quiet and discreet. Some are sleek and modern, and some, of course, just want to have fun! Others are more than gorgeous, some let you relax and feel the wind in your hair while still others are chic, sophisticated and elegant. Silversea Cruises’ newest vessel the Silver Muse is just such a ship – she epitomizes a timeless elegance with muted and understated décor and a color palette that allows every guest to shine – particularly the ladies in their finery. She is luxury personified.

Launched in April of this year and sailing in the Mediterranean for the summer, then journeying to Canada and New England for the fall colors before heading to South America and the Caribbean, the Silver Muse is the largest ship in the Silversea fleet of both classic and expedition ships. She carries 596 guests in beautifully decorated and spacious suites, with every indulgent amenity at one’s fingertips. Thanks to the expert ministrations of a personal butler for the duration of the cruise, guests are utterly pampered in every possible way. Having a butler is a luxury in itself – so enjoy!

This stunning new ship offers an exceptional choice of eight dining options including La Dame, the intimate Relais & Châteaux restaurant – the only one at sea - for the finest in French-inspired cuisine. Other options include Indochine for a pan-Asian and pan-Indian influenced menu, Kaisecki for sushi and teppanyaki, or the highly regarded Atlantide for continental cuisine and seamless service. Both La Dame and Kaisecki have a small dining fee of $60US applied. Try al fresco dining at Hot Rocks while cooking your own meat or fish or perhaps the perennial Silversea (and my) favorite, La Terrazza offering authentic Italian cuisine and more. If a pizza on deck at lunchtime -or anytime – suits you –it’s there. Prefer some coffee and pastries in the Arts Café with a seat outside to enjoy the view? Go right ahead. How about a light menu of tapas-style food in an intimate jazz club setting, accompanied by the sultry songs of a talented chanteuse? Just make a reservation. Whatever your mood, there is a restaurant or dining spot of choice on board this remarkable ship. As a prelude, enjoy a cocktail in La Dolce Vita lounge and bar, head up to the Observation Lounge for a drink with a view, or sip champagne while you nibble hors d’oeuvres in your suite or on your verandah. Everything will be beautifully prepared and presented by your butler. The choice is yours - the ultimate in luxury at sea.

And the choices continue; a casino, the fabulous and expansive Zagara spa with wellness options, a beauty and barber salon, several boutiques, a theater and a spacious and lovely outdoor deck and pool area with hot tubs, comfortable lounge chairs and a choice of several relaxed deck dining options. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered to every guest ranging from one hour a day and more depending on the suite category booked. There’s an all-inclusive ambience, with beverages, fine wines and liquors included and champagne available on a whim – and your in-suite bar is stocked to your preference for your arrival. Staff gratuities are included in the cruise fare which ensures a convivial and relaxed onboard mix-and-mingle atmosphere, while a selection of Bvlgari bathroom amenities, and a nine-choice pillow menu and exquisite Pratesi bed linens make your suite a glorious haven.

There is, of course, open-seating dining, with reservations requested, throughout the ship. The dress code during evening hours ranges from casual to informal to more formal with jacket and tie required for gentlemen depending on the restaurant preferred. If you’ll be dining in your suite one or more evenings, you can enjoy the All-Around Dining in-suite menu offered 24-hours a day. Whatever you want, whenever you want it is the mantra at Silversea. They are focused on providing their discerning guests the best in service, style, hospitality and Italian design. An array of shore excursions are available to immerse each guest in the region in which they are sailing and to also offer exceptional and remarkably personal moments in some of the most amazing places on earth.

Silversea offers more than 264 worldwide itineraries and calls at an unprecedented 800-plus destinations. Their five-ship fleet of Classic ships and four Expedition ships (with the addition of Silver Cloud this Fall) ensures a style of cruising to suit every taste. Sail in the Galapagos Islands, to both Polar regions and everywhere in between, venturing into small ports many ships cannot visit, cruising up rivers and through canals to the heart of fascinating cities. Partnering with the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) for Expedition journeys makes it possible for guests to see wildlife beyond compare and to cruise to some of the most far-away places on the planet, all while enjoying immersive lectures and experiences.

Wherever you sail with Silversea Cruises, you can count on not only dedicated, superlative service and enriching engagement but also a world of fascinating ports, far and wide, that will never fail to delight and amaze you.